Police back use of teenagers

The force has even admitted to having a 17-year-old PCSO of its own following the revelation that Thames Valley Police has two 16-year-olds in similar roles.

Other police forces up and down the country said PCSOs of that age lacked the life experience necessary for the role, however, Assistant Chief Constable of West Midlands Police Suzette Davenport said it sent out a positive message.

"We support the anti-age discrimination regulations which say you could recruit from 16 upwards," she said.

"Our PCSOs are predominantly 19 or 20 to 28. We do have a 17-year-old. Having younger PCSOs has a fantastic benefit in terms of not demonising the youth of today. They can positively engage with very many of our youngsters and use language which they understand."

Despite not being old enough to buy alcohol, 16 and 17-year-old PCSOs have the power to confiscate it.

"West Midlands Police is very clear that the PCSO role is a non-confrontational role," she added.

"Their role is to do a range of things supporting their regular colleagues in reassurance such as general policing.

"Potentially we could get 16 or 17-year-olds directing or managing traffic. What people want to see is someone in control in a uniform." A total of five police forces have admitted employing 17-year-olds as community support officers.

Thames Valley, Humberside, West Midlands and West Yorkshire have all employed PCSOs of this age, while Devon and Cornwall has done so in the past.

The youngest community support officer working with West Mercia Police is 19 years old and he is based in Worcestershire.

Staffordshire Police said they had no 16 or 17-year-olds working as community support officers.

Glen Smyth, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation criticised employing the teenagers. "There used to be laws to stop children going into dangerous occupations such as down the mines," he said.

"Now kids are going on the beat. It's reminiscent of sending boys into the trenches of World War One.

"It's totally inappropriate for 16 and 17-year-olds to be PCSOs.

"We have had one PCSO stabbed. I fear it is only a matter of time before one is murdered on duty."

Other forces to slam the recruiting of young PCSOs include Sussex Police who said they "couldn't imagine" employing anyone 16 or 17.

Warwickshire Police added: "Anyone wanting to become a PCSO can apply on their 18th birthday, but not before."

A Home Office spokesman supported the role carried out by PCSOs of all ages.